Hand-Crafted in the Carolinas

Authentic Exploration Travel

Hand-Crafted in the Carolinas

Authentic Exploration Travel

Hand-Crafted in the Carolinas

Authentic Exploration Travel

Hand-Crafted in the Carolinas

Authentic Exploration Travel

Travel With Us

Small Group Travel

Explore Up Close is more than just our name – it’s our travel style. We’re passionate about exploring places – and meeting locals – with great stories to tell. We offer guided small group trips throughout the year, across the Southeastern United States and around the world.

Private Trips

We specialize in designing and guiding custom travel experiences for private groups: from large organizations, to small groups of friends and families. Simply contact us, and let your adventure begin.

Boutique Bliss:
Our Small Group Experience

Secrets of the Southeast

Guess Where?

Immersive Itineraries

Ramble On:
Hiking & More

Join A Trip

The Southeastern Explorers Club

Our popular membership program, which allows you to “explore” with us from home. It’s the insider’s HQ for fascinating hidden stories, exclusive videos, fresh travel tips, and more.

The latest from the Southeastern Explorers Club

Announcing our 2024 trips!

We are thrilled to share our new mid-year travel catalog with you!  Here you'll find a listing of our upcoming 2023 trips and a partial list of our 2024 trips...

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What People Are Saying

“I have lived in South Carolina for 15 years and didn’t know about many of the places you highlighted. I can’t wait to visit some of the towns and special sites you covered.”

– Client Name

“Explore Up Close provides the ultimate travel experience with a boutique, personalized touch. A mix of learning, exploring, relaxation, as well as great company from our fellow travelers and guides!”

– Client Name

“I’ve traveled extensively and have never had a trip that felt as intimate and custom-tailored as this. The planning, flexibility, and attention to detail were second to none.”

– Client Name

“The level of professionalism, our guides’ extensive knowledge of French history, their ability to tailor outings to our individual interests — I could go on and on. Explore Up Close provided us with a top-shelf trip of a lifetime. Thank you, Caroline and Chumley!”

– Client Name

“If you want to travel, but need an expert to plan the perfect trip for you, I highly recommend this father-daughter team! Not only did we enjoy some beautiful cities and landscapes, we learned so much history. They are memory makers!”

– Client Name

“You certainly know your stuff. Being a hiker, and new to South Carolina, this information is a treasure trove.”

– Client Name